Affordable

Effective

Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Joel

"Ann is great, I think she deserves 5-stars because she is talented and really wants to help me improve. Within just moments she had recognized some proble

ms with my breathing and posture that are already helping."

...

Albuquerque, NM teacher:
Ann C.

Review by samuel

"Ann is wonderful teacher, explain in a way I can understand, good lesson"

Albuquerque, NM teacher:
Ann C.

Review by Justin

"An excellent patient, teacher with a lot to offer

I have been seeing Steven for several weeks, and I find his manner to be informative and supportive. He

is fond of what he does, and it shows. He's interested in students that prefer challenges, and that want to improve themselves. At the same time he understands that growth is a controlled practice.

I believe he is a great teacher with an interest in teaching his students."

...

Albuquerque, NM teacher:
Steven O.

Review by Shannon

"An excellent, intuitive teacher

Mr. Steve is an outstanding teacher whom I would recommend without reservation. He works at the pace of each of my childr

en and they are eager to work for him too. My son bores quickly, but Steve challenges him with encouragement and speed. My daughter is slower to catch on and he accommodates her speed with equal talent. He is creative in his teaching methods and also in his approach to advising more practice or encouraging practice methods. I hesitate to write this review because I don't want to share the gem we have found in Steve. He is kind, patient, encouraging, excited about the music and the kid's efforts, witty, professional and accommodating. 5 stars."

...

Albuquerque, NM teacher:
Steven O.

Review by Jacques

"Excellent first lesson. Steve was patient and encouraging, and looking forward to future lessons."

Albuquerque, NM teacher:
Steven O.

Review by Cecily

"Mr. Steven is an excellent teacher, and really engages my son each week. He is new to piano, and has helped my son progress very quickly with reading note

s, tempo, and so much more. Mr. Steven makes every lesson rewarding. I recommend him!"

About Steven O.

About Steven

I love to learn music! So do my students.

After childhood lessons, and BA and MA degrees from Minnesota and Iowa, I worked for private conservatories in Los Angeles, while teaching and playing for church events and celebrations. In that real-world school, I learned the music that the world loves.

I use that knowledge to fire my students' imaginations. If Bach or Mozart motivates them, we set goals to learn the Toccata in D minor or the Turkish Rondo. These are realistic goals! Maybe you would like to study Easter hymns for church, as one student did recently. Perhaps you would like to perform Beethoven's Tempest in front of sixty people at a nice recital hall.

*** Lesson Details *** All my students can expect an experience focused on their musical goals, with lesson plans geared to twenty minut

es of daily practice. Set the bar as high as you want! My students all choose to have a lesson every week except for scheduled breaks, under the recurring lesson plan. This helps them to make quick progress. My studio has a big grand, and a digital piano. The neighborhood is quiet. Come with confidence, to a studio licensed in Albuquerque for twenty years. I have passed TakeLessons and Albuquerque Public Schools background checks. After three months, a busy eight-year old beginner could have an easy rendition of "Ode To Joy" or "When The Saints Come Marching In" to perform for loved ones. My students study technique, rhythm, fingering, expression and general musicianship. All this, while enjoying great musical selections.

*** Studio Equipment ***The studio lessons are taught in a living room studio exclusively used for piano lessons including a Steinway piano. No pets. Parking in the right side of the driveway.

*** Specialties ***Mostly classical, with occasional jazz, contemporary Christian, and popular. I mostly teach from notes, though occasionally from lead sheets or through improvisation. The Adventures, Keys for the Kingdom, and Step By Step methods are preferred until the student can play composers' original notes. Then, their recital works tend to come from such as Bach, Beethoven, Clementi, Debussy, and Chopin.

I welcome online students with a desire to learn and an ability to focus. Young students should have a parent or guardian near to direct their attention, if needed.

...

Reviews

Jacques V. August 7, 2018·Piano·Online

Excellent first lesson. Steve was patient and encouraging, and looking forward to future lessons.

Cecily P. October 31, 2014·Piano·In studio

Mr. Steven is an excellent teacher, and really engages my son each week. He is new to piano, and has helped my son progress very quickly with reading notes, tempo, and so much more. Mr. Steven makes every lesson rewarding. I recommend him!

Shannon A. November 3, 2013·Piano·

An excellent, intuitive teacher

Mr. Steve is an outstanding teacher whom I would recommend without reservation. He works at the pace of each of my children and they are eager to work for him too. My son bores quickly, but Steve challenges him with encouragement and speed. My daughter is slower to catch on and he accommodates her speed with equal talent. He is creative in his teaching methods and also in his approach to advising more practice or encouraging practice methods. I hesitate to write this review because I don't want to share the gem we have found in Steve. He is kind, patient, encouraging, excited about the music and the kid's efforts, witty, professional and accommodating. 5 stars.

View Details

Steven O.

View Profile

Steven O.

Albuquerque, NM 87112

(4)

starting at

$23
/ 30-min

About Coren Z.

About Coren

Coren Z

Coren is an award winning TV talk show host co-starring with her husband Ren on the Las Vegas TV show Dreamweavers StarTrax interviewing performers from all different genres about their journey towards career success. A seasoned live performer Coren has played many different venues across the world from the Las Vegas Casinos, Rivera and MGM to European television "Bueno Dominica" Milan Italy, Circus World, Florida, and the Philadelphia Civic Center. Coren has opened for such entertainment greats such as The Temptations, 3 Dog Night, Holly Dunn & George Carlin. She has performed with blues greats Leon Blue (Ike & Tina Turner Revue, Muddy waters, BB King) and Mike Rogers (John Lee Hooker Jr., Big Mama Thorton, Bobby Blue Bland), Coren uses her singing, dancing and acting skills as Sherry in the Las Vegas Show Frankie & Sherry (

Frankie Valley Tribute Show) formerly at The Greek Isles Casino. Graduating from the vocal performance and songwriting programs at the prestigious music Conservatory The Dick Grove School of Music Coren won the school's coveted vocal achievement award in 1989. Studying the Seth Riggs Speech level Singing method while at Dick Grove, Coren became a certified teacher of the method in 1994. She was certified as a level 4 instructor until 2009. Coren teaches many professional singers including David Morgan & Paul Kingery (multi-platinum recording artists 3 Dog Night), Billy Hufsey (Fame Television show & Confessions of a Teen age Idol VH1, Days of Our Lives), Disney Star & Kids Choice Award winner "Favorite TV Actor 2012" Jake Short (Disney's "Ant Farm" & "Mighty Med"), Sarah Thiele Recording Artist, Hazel Payne (4x Grammy Winner) A Taste of Honey, Jennlee Shallow (Nala in Lion King Broadway, Germany, Austrailia), Marla McRenyolds, (Dreamgirls & The Color Purple Broadway), 2011 Kids Choice Nominee James Maslow ( Big Time Rush), and Gail Bennett (Understudy to Mary Poppins in the broadway touring Company of Mary Poppins) to name a few.

...

Reviews

Remy T. October 7, 2018·Singing·In studio

Coren was warm, positive, and patient with a great sense of humor. She connected well with my 11 year old granddaughter, making her quickly feel at ease during the first lesson, and making her look forward to her next lessons. I highly recommend Coren for her professionalism and for her caring and cheerful personality.

Carolyn July 7, 2018·Singing·Online

I have so much fun with Coren. She is very informative, charismatic and funny! I look forward to each and every one of her lessons!

Sue B. March 14, 2018·Broadway Singing·Online

View Details

Coren Z.

View Profile

Coren Z.

Online

(26)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Michael L.

About Michael

Michael L. is a very versatile and highly sought after musician and teacher.

Michael performs at 275 functions a year, teaches 30 private bagpipe and guitar students a week, is an instructor of music at the University of Colorado at Denver, and runs his own recording studio where he composes and records music for film, video and commercials.

*** Lesson Details ***Quick, fun approach to getting students at any level playing better/easier.

*** Studio Equipment ***I have all the toys!

*** Travel Equipment ***I provide all of the music and handouts.

*** Specialties ***All levels all styles. From beginner to professional.

...

Reviews

Penny A. September 25, 2018·Bagpipes·Online

Michael is a very patient, kind and understanding. He is willing to assist in any way he can to help and support. Michael is a fabulous instructor! I look forward to my next lesson.

David April 30, 2018·Bagpipes·Online

My first Lesson with Michael was amazing! I’m very much looking forward to my next lesson with him.

A. Zechariah J. August 28, 2017·Bagpipes·In studio

I have been taking lessons from Michael for nearly nine months now. He has been an awesome instructor, very talented, helpful, and charismatic!

View Details

Michael L.

View Profile

Michael L.

Online

(39)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Gfire

About Gfire

Gfire has been teaching and performing music full-time for over 17 years. Based in Austin, Texas, the "Live Music Capital of the World," she offers voice, piano, songwriting, yoga, folk guitar, and DJ'ing lessons to students from 5-105 and she specializes in sculpting her lessons to the strengths and desires of each individual student. Her students range from beginning to advanced levels, and they sing and play a multitude of musical styles, including classical, pop, rock, r 'n' b, country, folk, singer-songwriter, musical theater, blues and more.

Gfire loves to share her talents with her students. She prides herself on instilling a "sense of mastery" to each of her singing and piano students, no matter on which level they are. The students come away with a real sense of knowing their songs and their instruments inside out an

d with a real sense of confidence in their musicianship. Plus they have a lot of fun as they make musical progress!

Gfire is also an award-winning singer-songwriter and "Yoga for the Voice" innovator. She has released 4 CDs of all-original music and is currently working on her 5th CD, to be released in 2015.

As a teacher, Gfire works with students of all levels and all areas of interest. In October 2007, Gfire became the only vocal teacher in the Western Hemisphere to gain full certification in the Science of Singing, developed by Ernest G. White of London, England. Her unique voice training program, entitled "Yoga for the Voice," combines this knowledge of the Science of Singing with ancient yoga breathing techniques. This technique allows each voice student to develop a "vocal tune-up" for the voice AND to discover what the natural singing range is and how to use the voice as effectively as possible. With the internet SKYPE technology, Gfire teaches voice students all over the world, from Switzerland to the U.K. to New Zealand to New York.

Her vocal students have sung in touring rock bands, on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, in successful auditions, in karaoke clubs, in coffee houses and folk clubs, at weddings and for their own enjoyment amongst family and friends. Whatever level of singing training you wish to acquire, she will show you the way to achieve it!

Gfire was also the main voice instructor and one of 3 main piano teachers at the Austin branch of Mars Music (now defunct) for 3 1/2 years. In addition to her vocal study and innovation, she has studied piano with top classical and jazz pianists, studied songwriting with Pat Pattison of Berklee College in Boston, gotten her full yoga teaching certification in 2004 and DJ'd at clubs and parties worldwide. For eight years straight - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 - she has won the prestigious ASCAPlus Award for professional songwriting.

As a singer-songwriter, Gfire continues to write, record and perform with some of the best musicians and engineers in the world, including engineer Stuart Sullivan (Willie Nelson, Sublime, Meat Puppets, etc.), Hammond organ player Ian McLagen (Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart), cellist John Hagen (Lyle Lovett), fiddle/mandolin player Warren Hood (The Waybacks), bassist George Reiff (Ray Wylie Hubbard) and banjo picker Danny Barnes (Bad Livers, Dave Matthews).

Gfire's original songs have been played on over 200 radio and television stations worldwide. She has toured in over half of the fifty states, plus the U.K. and Canada.

*** Lesson Details ***NEW - Gfire is now available to teach WORLDWIDE via SKYPE or FaceTime - so you can have a music lesson in the privacy of your own home!!

Voice lessons - I have created a unique and wonderful vocal method, "Yoga for the Voice," which combines ancient yoga breathing exercises with special vocal exercises to give you a "complete vocal tune-up." These techniques are simple, effective and easily-learned by any student of the voice, from about age 5-105. I love to help you learn to apply these wonderful techniques to learning the songs you wish to learn - whether they are pop, r 'n' b, folk, singer-songwriter, rock, country, opera, musical theater, jazz, etc. "Yoga for the Voice" is just as effective for professional speakers, such as teachers, lawyers, clergymen or actors - we just use a range of notes that is smaller than a singer's range, and we focus on using your speaking voice as effectively and efficiently as possible.

In 3-6 months, you will be able to:

1. master the "breath of fire" and "one-minute breath" - the BEST yoga breaths for singers!2. master the "sinus humming exercises" - identifying where EACH note in your range originates in your own head3. master the "full-body exercises" - traditional singing exercises on "mah, mee, moh, moo, meh" - so that you can move easily between your chest voice, middle voice, and head voice4. master 2-10 songs or more, depending on your level and the level of difficulty of each song - being able to sing each song in TUNE, with feeling, and having a blast doing it!!5. if you wish, you can perform your song(s) at one of my voice and piano recitals - on a REAL Austin stage!!

Piano lessons - I teach a wide range of piano styles at levels from beginner to early advanced, beginning around age 5. Whether you want to learn classical, rock, blues, country, boogie-woogie, or other styles of piano and keyboard playing, I will sculpt your lesson plan so that you have a great foundation in technique AND you learn the styles and songs you wish to play.

In 3-6 months, you will be able to:

1. master the Leschetizky, hand massage, and isometric warm-up exercises - the BEST piano warm-ups!2. depending on your level, master Hanon exercises 1-12, major and minor scales, major and minor arpeggios3. for beginners, you will be able to play with BOTH hands on the treble and bass clefs - at the same time!!4. master the I-IV-V progression in 3-12 keys, depending on your level - so that you can play blues, rock, country, boogie-woogie, and ragtime songs!!5. master 4-20 songs or more, depending on your level and the level of difficulty of each song (classical songs tend to take more time to master) - being able to play each song with great technique, with feeling, and having a blast doing it!!6. if you wish, you can perform your song(s) at one of my voice and piano recitals - on a REAL Austin stage!!

Songwriting lessons - I will teach you how to create a great song, in the style you wish to write in. Country songs, pop songs, rock tunes, r'n' b, folk, etc. - all of these genres have "unwritten rules" about how to put together an effective song. We will utilize special songwriting exercises and tools to help you learn to be a wonderful songwriter.

DJ lessons - I teach beat matching, turntable fine-tuning and repertoire selection to help you become the DJ you aspire to be. I own crates and crates of vinyl records and CDs, and I have DJ'd all over the world to enthusiastic crowds, so I can teach you to attain a real joy and skill in the art of turntablism.

Yoga lessons - I am a fully KRI-certified yoga teacher and I can help you develop a valuable yoga routine to help you achieve your health and relaxation goals. We will choose from literally hundreds of exercises and breathing techniques specifically geared to your needs and wants.

I have developed "Yoga for the Voice" - a combination of my 18 years of studying and receiving certification in the "Science of Singing" (as taught by Ernest George White of London, England) and my 10 years experience and certification in yoga, specifically ancient yoga breathing techniques. I will work with voice students as young as 4 and as old as they want to go! Voice lessons span all styles and all levels - pop, rock, r 'n' b, country, folk, singer-songwriter, opera, classical, musical theater, etc. from beginner to advanced. Generally beginning around age 7.

In piano, I specialize in teaching students who want to play a wide variety of music - classical, pop, rock, country, blues, etc. I begin with piano students who are 5 years of age and older, as long as they have the requisite attention span.

In DJ'ing, I specialize in basic beatmatching and repertoire selection.

And in yoga, I specialize in tailoring the yogic needs of the student - whether she/he wishes to work on stretching, breathing, abdominal strengthening, etc.

...

Reviews

Magdalene R. September 23, 2018·Piano·In studio

G-Fire worked well with all three of our children. She was able to meet them at their level while keeping the lessons productive and challenging. G-Fire is a very gifted teacher!

Roxana C. August 12, 2018·Piano·In studio

my 5yr old son's very 1st piano teacher and his love and knowledge for the piano has increased so much. gfire is very patient w/ his young wandering mind. would highly recommend.

Beth July 22, 2018·Singing·In studio

Gfire is an awesome voice and piano teacher. She has been my teacher for the past two years, and my voice has developed tremendously. I highly recommend her to anybody wanting to learn proper techniques in order to better one's musical skills.

Marc F.

Marc F.

About Ann C.

About Ann

A native of Taiwan, Ann Chen, is a freelance flutist and pianist in Albuquerque. She has her Bachelor degree in Instrumental Music Education with a flute emphasis from the University of Arizona under the tutelage of Brian Luce. In 2016, Ann received a Master of Music degree in Flute and Piano Performance from the University of New Mexico, where she studied with Professors Valerie Potter and Pamela Pyle.

...

Reviews

samuel July 29, 2017·Flute·In studio

Ann is wonderful teacher, explain in a way I can understand, good lesson

Joel H. March 31, 2017·Flute·In studio

Ann is great, I think she deserves 5-stars because she is talented and really wants to help me improve. Within just moments she had recognized some problems with my breathing and posture that are already helping.

View Details

Ann C.

View Profile

Ann C.

Albuquerque, NM 87106

(2)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Irisa M.

About Irisa

Music is incredibly important to me. It has been a large part of my life since I was ten, and I have experimented around to find the instruments that I really love- percussion and voice. Finally learning a new skill is so amazing, and I would love to be the facilitator in someone else's learning.

...

View Details

Irisa M.

View Profile

Irisa M.

Online

starting at

$34
/ 30-min

About Michael M.

About Michael

My passion in life is to encourage and inspire people to become more than they think they can - and I'm usually successful! I don't read a note of music, but have been playing piano and singing at a high professional level for several decades. I'll teach you how to be musical - the subtle difference between good and great.

Michael M.

Michael M.

About Adriana R.

About Adriana

I have always been very passionate about music, and especially singing. Ever since I was a young child I enjoyed performing; whether it was through singing, piano, dance, or even aerial acrobatics!

As I grew older, I discovered that I was also very passionate about teaching. I studied under Justin Stoney, and completed the Voice Teacher Training and Certification through New York Vocal Coaching in New York City.

I enjoy meeting new people of all ages and sharing my love for music with them. I am a very friendly person! I try to make lessons as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. I hope that you will love taking lessons with me as much as I love giving them!

Recent Music Articlesfrom the Blog

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro,
check out the Music articles on our blog.

Parents, are your kids heading off to an audition? You play a big role in their success! You've probably offered tons of support along the way, but how else can you help your child learn how to prepare for an audition? Read on for some helpful advice from Nashville &amp; online voice teacher Heather E.:
&nbsp;
Whether its for their elementary school or for a college scholarship, your kid is going to be nervous. There arent many other times in life when we are as totally and completely …
Read More

Tips for Parents: How to Help Your Child Prepare for an Audition

Parents, are your kids heading off to an audition? You play a big role in their success! You've probably offered tons of support along the way, but how else can you help your child learn how to prepare for an audition? Read on for some helpful advice from Nashville &amp; online voice teacher Heather E.:
&nbsp;
Whether its for their elementary school or for a college scholarship, your kid is going to be nervous. There arent many other times in life when we are as totally and completely

10 Things That'll Happen When Your Child Begins Piano Lessons

Are you considering enrolling your child in piano lessons? In this week's guest post, our friend Doreen Hall from Piano Parents lists 10 reasons why your child should start piano lessons...
I have taught hundreds of piano students over the course of my 30-year teaching career. It never ceases to amaze me when I see the positive impact that piano lessons have on kids.
If youre considering piano lessons for your child, here are 10 great things that you can expect to see as your child moves

The Ultimate Guide to Singing Styles and Genres

There are so many different singing styles and genres out there -- how do you keep track of them? What are the best vocal exercises for singers of each genre? Music teacher Heather L. answers these questions and more in this ultimate guide...
&nbsp;
We, as human beings, have been singing since we discovered that we had voices. Of course, a lot about singing has changed since that time. Different cultures around the world through the centuries came up with their own scales and modes, an

The Beginner's Guide to Violin Scales [Video Tutorial]

One of the most important aspects when learning how to play the violin is understanding scales. Learning scales will give you a solid foundation as you begin to explore new pieces of music.
Violin Scales for Beginners
Simply put, a violin scale is a series of notes, ordered by frequency or pitch, that span an octave (a consecutive set of eight notes.) For instance, to play a G scale, start by playing the lowest G on your violin (open G string.) Then, ascend up in pitch and play the notes i

How to Play Ukulele: 4 Fingerpicking Patterns for Ukes

Looking to get a new sound out of your ukulele? Music teacher Willy M. shares four fingerpicking patterns that will take your uke sound to the next level...
Its pretty amazing what the human hand can do when you think about it. Because of our opposable thumbs, weve been able to go all the way to the moon and back. But one thing that many folks learning how to play ukulele don't know is that they can use their fingers to pick out beautiful patterns that will make their songs more memorable t